Wedding Reception

The Taal lake-volcano is undisputedly one of the most scenic places in the Philippines. Back when I was still as big as the little boy in the photo, a trip there is like a treat my siblings and I delightedly await. I’ve mentioned many times that it would only take 20 minutes at most to be at the town proper of Tagaytay from where we live. There, the volcano can be viewed while enjoying the fresh breeze even at noon(there are also parts of Laguna and Batangas where the volcano can be seen). One of the more popular places there is the Taal Vista Lodge, it shares fame along with the People’s Park (Palace in the Sky) and Picnic Groove. We would go horse-back riding, watch concerts in the open area and simply take photos with the volcano as background. 🙂 Nowadays, there are lots of other recreational places and restaurants in Tagaytay offering great food and a wonderful view of the Taal volcano.

I had a nostalgic trip down memory lane when I came back sometime last July, during my brother’s wedding. The ceremony was held at the Lourdes Chapel, also in Tagaytay and the reception followed at the Taal Vista Lodge (now Hotel). Sure, the horses were still there but what a big improvement from 15 years ago…the place is much cleaner, well-landscaped, the unused outdoor tables are covered with furniture covers as opposed to being left alone dirty.

They’ve also installed canisters for trash, which as I remember: the trash cans used to be those green rubber made from broken auto tires. 😀 – Well, a big improvement indeed! Really, the place looks cleaner…and much much elegant than when I was younger.

The reception hall was big enough to accomodate more than 10 round tables with a dance floor at the center, a stage and band corner plus very buffet tables. I haven’t attended a wedding here in Vienna nor a wedding reception Dallas so I had forgotten the excitement of witnessing how two people get tied up in a ceremony. (I just had really stress Dallas there since Pacquiao won his latest in Texas! lol)

(Mini cakes tier)

Pardon that I forgot to take photos of the food served. 🙁 The reception catering was one to be praised! I had Ensaladang Bagnet (pork crackling with tomato and seaweed) for appetizer and liked it instantly. I then went on with Maya Maya in Pesto Sauce, a bit of Carbonara and Coq Au Vin. I was so satisfied with my selection that I regret not having to taste everything in the menu. (greedy much? you bet!) The Coq Au Vin is something I’d love to cook myself…There were also 2 lechon (roasted whole pig) that I didn’t bother lining up for. I had my eyes on the dessert table serving cherry cheese cake, crepes and apple pies.

So far, I only have positive things to say about the Taal Vista Hotel. As mentioned, I haven’t been to a wedding for the longest time so I can’t compare them to others in the area. I am not an expert when it comes to choosing a party hall or wedding hall. In case you are looking for party hall rentals in Dallas, San Diego, Boston or Brooklyn, make sure that you do a background check, read reviews and feedbacks from customers. A memorable wedding ceremony and after-party is somehow a wonderful start of a marriage too.

(My older brother and his wife with a “signature” taal view photo taken by my brother-in-law – he’s the official photographer, I was just someone behind him lol)